Super Bowl Viewers Note Nipple Double Standards As Adam Levine Goes Shirtless 15 Years After Janet Jackson Controversy

"Nipple rules feel inconsistent."
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Maroon 5′s Super Bowl Halftime Show featured appearances from Big Boi, Travis Scott and even SpongeBob SquarePants, but there was one addition to proceedings people were less pleased to see – specifically, Adam Levine’s nipples.

The singer progressively stripped during the band’s set at the game in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday night, leading many to point out a double standard when it comes to bare flesh.

Many remembered the 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which saw a huge uproar when Janet Jackson suffered a ‘wardrobe malfunction’ during a routine with Justin Timberlake.

Adam Levine's nipples sparked a debate after Maroon 5's Super Bowl performance
Adam Levine's nipples sparked a debate after Maroon 5's Super Bowl performance
Kevin Mazur via Getty Images

The moment saw him inadvertently expose one of her breasts ― which had a pasty over the nipple ― during the live show.

Such was the controversy about the incident that it affected Janet’s career for many years to come, despite her and Justin always maintaining it was unintentional.

So, it is no wonder then why some people were pointing out the inconsistencies when Adam bared his torso while up on stage 15 years on...

What is the difference between Adam’s nipple vs Janet’s? Just wondering. 🤷🏼♀️ #SuperBowl2019 pic.twitter.com/oT5csaPoIM

— Jen (@jenniferjo1977) February 4, 2019

Wait a damn minute!! Janet Jackson show's a tiny bit of nipple, and all hell breaks loose. He takes off his shirt and nothing?!! What??!!!! I'm outraged! #SuperBowl #PepsiHalftime

— sans Care (@Madjora77) February 4, 2019

Janet Jackson’s good reputation was tarnished for 50 percent less nipple than we saw today. pic.twitter.com/hC1KWYkk6R

— Brooke Rogers 🌻 (@bkerogers) February 4, 2019

I’m more offended seeing Adam Levine’s nipples than I was Janet Jackson’s.

— Gia Cognata (@thegiamonster) February 4, 2019

We all know who is and who isn’t demonized for having their nipples exposed on live television. Shout-out to the 👑 @JanetJackson. #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay ❤️

— Women's March (@womensmarch) February 4, 2019

WHY CAN ADAM SHOW HIS NIPS BUT JANET CANT #superbowl

— Kaitlyn Bristowe (@kaitlynbristowe) February 4, 2019

Why weren’t Adam’s nipples censored like Janet’s? #superbowl #Maroon5 pic.twitter.com/v8BPxbBnqN

— Wardo’s World (@mister_eddiee) February 4, 2019

How come Adam Levine can show his nipples at the Super Bowl but Janet Jackson can’t? Double standards much? #SuperBowl2019 #FreeTheNipple

— Colin Denton🌭 (@colindenton) February 4, 2019

IF TWO ADAM LEVINE NIPPLES WERE APPROVED THEN SOMEONE OWES JANET JACKSON A BIG APOLOGY

— Katie Zack (@katiefzack) February 4, 2019

Super Bowl halftime nipple rules feel inconsistent

— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) February 4, 2019

I have nothing against Adam Levine whatsoever and actually am a huge fan but it’s messed up that society seems it acceptable for him to be shirtless during the halftime show and Janet Jackson was chastised because her breast was accidentally exposed at the same event.

— Abigail Breslin (@yoabbaabba) February 4, 2019

Adam Levine goes shirtless in a lackluster Super Bowl halftime show performance. There goes the double standard as years ago Janet Jackson’s career practically went down the drain after accidentally showing her nipple in a wardrobe malfunction. #SuperBowl #JusticeForJanet pic.twitter.com/3TF7rVaqRA

— RamonGinoChanJr (@RamonGinoChanJ1) February 4, 2019

Maroon 5′s decision to play the Super Bowl had already proved to be a controversial one.

Adam later explained their decision in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying: “My life’s work and what I put out into the universe has been positive and hopefully inspiring … So, what I would say is, you know, we are going to do what we keep on doing, hopefully without becoming politicians and continuing to use the one voice we know how to use properly.”

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